Nationwide Arena was sold out and filled with a bipartisan crowd for a visit from the Pittsburgh Penguins last night.

The Penguins pulled away in the third period for a 5-3 victory over the Blue Jackets. Pittsburgh forward James Neal scored three times.

By then, at least half the crowd was roaring its approval. The corresponding hats — dozens of them — rained down after Neal’s third goal gave the Penguins a 5-2 lead late in the game.

“We expected it,” Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson said. “We said this morning at the skate that we’ve got a big road game ahead of us.”

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said that aside from Pittsburgh’s Consol Energy Center, there is no NHL building friendlier to his team than Nationwide Arena.

“We get a good chunk in Florida, from people who have moved down there,” said Crosby, who centered a line that produced five goals and six assists against the Jackets. “But this is definitely, by far, the most (friendly fans) we see. It’s nice to see your support, those fans making the trips.”

Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards said there was lots of energy in the full house, but he would prefer it wasn’t divided.

“I take it personally, that we have to do a better job of getting more of our people in the building,” Richards said. “But it does create a great atmosphere, as long as the game stays (competitive) and close. It can get ugly if it goes in one direction.”

The Jackets fell to 3-3-3 against the Penguins at Nationwide. Pittsburgh, the Jackets’ closest geographical rival, has won four straight in Columbus.

“Our fans in Pittsburgh are awesome,” Neal said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen hats like that in an opposing barn. It’s a tribute to how much the fans in Pittsburgh love the Penguins. It’s fun to be a part of.”

No hard feelings

Blue Jackets left wing Blake Comeau declined comment after he and Brandon Dubinsky fought during practice on Saturday, but said things between the two were “all good” yesterday.

Comeau said he and Dubinsky will remain friends off the ice. He grinned when asked what kind of effect their fisticuffs had on the locker room.

“I think the boys enjoyed it,” he said.

Craig up, then back down

The Blue Jackets recalled forward Ryan Craig from Springfield yesterday morning, but made him a healthy scratch after center Derek MacKenzie (lower body) was able to play. Craig was reassigned to Springfield before the game.

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